Storm Eunice leads to West Midlands train disruption

A train operator has warned of service disruption as it completes repairs in the aftermath of Storm Eunice.

West Midlands Railway reported major problems across its network and "heartily advised" people to check online before travelling.

Meanwhile, a flood warning is in place at the River Severn in Shrewsbury.

Flood defences have gone up in the town and in Bewdley, Worcestershire, with more rain forecast.

Three people died in the UK in Storm Eunice on Friday, as fierce winds toppled trees and sent debris flying during one of the worst storms to hit the UK in decades.

The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for much of England, including the West Midlands, with periods of strong winds expected.

Rail operators have been checking lines and carrying out repairs. Services between Birmingham New Street and Shrewsbury were among those affected.

Andy McGill, from West Midlands Railway, said: "Clearly there is going to be some potential for knock-on delays. There are going to be repairs that will have to be made. We may see that some lines don't get to reopen until perhaps over the weekend at some point."

Avanti West Coast said its network had been disrupted by "multiple weather-related incidents" and it was working with Network Rail to restore services.

Residents in Shrewsbury have been warned flooding was expected to affect offices at the showground and Gravel Hill Lane.

River levels were expected to peak at Welshbridge between 3.4m (11ft 2 ins) to 3.7m (12ft) on Saturday evening.

The Environment Agency said it was deploying flood barrier at Beales Corner, Ironbridge, and Severn Side "in anticipation of further water moving down the river system".

"Rain is forecast overnight tonight and into Sunday, this will fall on an already wet catchment area," an agency spokesperson said.

"We urge members of the public to stay safe and remain vigilant to the dangers this weather can cause."

Firefighters went to 14 incidents in the West Midlands and Staffordshire on Friday, including to the Shell Corner Trading Estate in Blackheath where a 20ft wall collapsed on to five units.

And fire crews in Brewood thanked farmers who moved two trees that came down in Port Lane, including one which fell on a car whose occupants luckily escaped serious injury, the service said.

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